Logic / Philosophy

Course summary

Philosophy will teach you how to formulate convincing, rational arguments, critically examine your beliefs and spot your own biases. It will introduce you to global philosophical traditions, then develop in you a way of thinking that appreciates your intuitions and your knowledge of philosophical texts, themes and logical methods. You will be encouraged to read lots of philosophy, and take an interest in literature, arts and contemporary media; you will end up being able to identify and discuss philosophical issues in the world around you. This will help you on the way to being able to talk intelligently to anyone about their field of expertise. Lessons will be discussion based and you will be encouraged to develop your literacy and oracy skills in equal measure. All students will study: • The Core Module: ‘Being Human’, that examines issues concerning what is distinctive about being human and how to live well in the light of this. • A theme: Ethics, including Biomedical and Business Ethics. Students find this course invaluable in helping them think about and negotiate the tricky moral issues they encounter in life. • A text: Plato’s ‘Republic’. • Write a 2.000-word coursework essay to address a philosophical issue of personal interest. Previous coursework titles have included: • Should I value art because of its formal qualities or because of the emotions it evokes in me? • What should our attitude be towards the natural world? • Do Humans have Free Will? • Do Plato’s Arguments in his Phaedo prove the Soul’s Immortality?